C2adjectiveemotionspsychology
US/ʌnˈnɜːr.vɪŋ/
UK/ʌnˈnɜː.vɪŋ/
making you feel nervous, afraid or less confident
In context
It was unnerving to hear footsteps behind me in the empty street.
The silence in the room after the argument was unnerving.
He gave me an unnerving stare across the table.
Words that go with unnerving
adjective + noun
- unnerving silenceAn unnerving silence followed his question.
- unnerving experienceBeing followed home was an unnerving experience.
- unnerving feelingShe had an unnerving feeling that someone was watching.
- unnerving sightThe empty hospital was an unnerving sight.
verb + adjective
- find it unnervingMany people find it unnerving to speak in public.
adverb + adjective
- slightly unnervingThe noise from the attic was slightly unnerving.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I felt very unnerving when I heard the noise.Correct: I felt very unnerved when I heard the noise.